Mommy, Can We Have A Puppy?

If you have a child or children you have heard this question before unless they are too young then you will hear it soon. Yep, all kids want a dog but the question always is when is the right time to get the kids a dog. Let's talk about that here today.

I have literally had dog owners tell me they got the puppy for their child and when I ask how old your child is, they say 1 or sometimes I hear 2. That is crazy a 1 or 2 year old child does not need a dog.

Usually they end up confessing that they wanted a dog and just used the kids as an excuse to get one. I tell them that is okay if you want a dog you certainly can have one.

However what this article is about is when an older child begs mom and dad for a pup. Is it time? Is the child mature enough to help and take some responsibility? Those questions that only you the parent can decide.

Here are some things to consider when getting a dog. You need to discuss them with your children and see where they will be willing to help.

First of all the dog needs to be feed at least once a day and depending the age maybe even up to 3 times a day until it gets older. Feeding needs to be consistent and ideally at the same time each day.

Second, dogs need exercise and they need to go for walks. Who will be responsible for the walks? They are important and cannot be neglected.

Third, when dogs eat, they poop and somebody needs to be in charge of cleaning up their mess in the backyard.

Fourth, training for every dog is a must but usually should be done by an adult rather than the child.

With just these four things in mind will your child take responsibility and care for the dog. Don't get me wrong an only child may need help from mom and dad but if you have multiple children then they should be able to handle most of the dogs care.

So now that you have some idea of what the kids need to do, what happens if they don't? You and the children need to make that decision before you get the pup. Not caring for the dog and living up to their commitment should have consequences and you are the one that needs to come up with and enforce those rules.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Mommy,-Can-We-Have-A-Puppy?&id=9137331